First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on course, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Predictably, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but wants more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on high-level competition, struggled to find motivation in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury uncertainties and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed fee, and if he remains owner of the LIV Smash GC team now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next — the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately maybe with a fine, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance would apply following significant reductions of former lifetime bans imposed by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when each LIV returnee, especially a high-profile player like Koepka, benefits the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
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